Kwinana ratepayers to be hit with 4.2 per cent rate rise after council unanimously backs increase

The City of Kwinana council has unanimously voted to slug ratepayers with a 4.2 per cent rate increase across the board next financial year.

It directed the city’s chief executive at a special meeting on May 27 to proceed with budget preparation, which includes the rate rise, and for the city to proceed with ministerial approval for the increase.

A dozen objections were lodged when ratepayers were invited to submit feedback on the rate increase.

The main complaints included cost-of-living issues and a lack of infrastructure in the city.

“People even find difficulties on grocery shopping and how we can afford more,” one submission read.

“With interest rises, power, water and gas increases, plus food costs and fuel increases, a big rise like this is going to drive people to bankruptcy or worse, suicide. People will be leaving the area in droves. Renters will also be slugged with higher rents to cover the higher rates,” another said.

“What services are being improved via these increases? I have seen increased amounts per year, yet do not see the tangible outcome for our council. We do not have a tip, we do not have regular council meetings as most are being cancelled. With the cost of inflation in all areas, your homeowners are one step away from becoming homeless,” a third submission said.

This latest rate rise comes after a 3.95 per cent rise for the 2023-24 financial year.

The rise of 4.2 per cent will increase the minimum rates bill for residential, rural and vacant properties from $1173 to $1222.

General industry, mining and industrial and commercial rates will rise from $1528 to $1592.

The increase is expected to yield $51,563,393 in rates income for city services.

The City of Rockingham council recently shot down the city’s proposed business plan, which suggested a 4.2 per cent increase in rates, with a final decision on rates still to come.